E-commerce giant Mall for Africa says on track to expand eight times in 2018

JOHANNESBURG - E-commerce company Mall for Africa said on Thursday it notched record growth in the first quarter of 2018, up three times from the same period last year, and was on track to grow eight times in 2018.

The platform enables consumers on the continent to purchase products from US and UK retailers and, after an initial focus on Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya has announced its expansion into Angola, Chad, Guinea, Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and South Africa.

The company currently has more than 250 retailers on its platform, including eBay, NEXT, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Cotton On, Amazon, Farfetch, Bath & Body Works, Net-a-Porter, Hawes & Curtis, Walmart, and Auto Parts Warehouse.

File image: IOL

"According to the Boston Consulting Group, Africa will have over 1.1 billion consumers by 2020, more than the populations of Europe and North America combined. Moreover, in 2020, Africa will have twice as many affluent consumers as the UK," the company said on Thursday.

"With Mall for Africa catering to 15 African countries, it will continue to lead the pack in innovation, customer service, and sales—all while helping businesses and families succeed."